1 out of 3-4 girls and 1 out of 7-10 boys will experience unconsenting sexual assault before their 18th birthday.
75% of all reported sexual assault on children are committed by someone the victim knows and trusts
87% of all sexual assault victims are female
97% of all offenders are male
These facts based on the American Academy of Child & Adolescent Phychiatry
♥ www.geordannatheartist.com ♥
Costarican-American Visual Artist born in Houston, living in Dallas.
Monday, November 29, 2010
10 Ways to Avoid Getting Stress in Your Holiday Stocking this Season for fellow Endometriosis sufferers
(Note: this article originally appeared in an ERC newsletter in 2002. It has been updated for 2010.)
The holiday season is upon us! We all know that stress levels can run high during this time of year, and with stress comes an exacerbation of symptoms - affecting both your mind and your body. Living with endometriosis is stressful enough...so how can we avoid extra stressors during this time when our daily routine is fraught with pressures and pitfalls? Read on...
First, let's examine what “stress” actually means. Stress is any factor, be it physical or emotional in nature, which threatens the health of the body or has an adverse affect on its functioning. Disease, injury and worry are three common stressors. Stress can cause both physical and emotional reactions, from changes in the balance of your hormones to sweaty palms; heart palpitations to nausea; fatigue to headaches; tightness in your throat to depression; anxiety to anger. Simply put, nothing good can come of being stressed out!
If you can't respond to this fight-or-flight response from your body in a way that removes the stress, it can take its toll on you. The longer stress continues unabated, the worse the symptoms will be and the harder a toll it takes on your body. Worse still, experiencing one form of stress can actually decrease your resistance to other forms.
Not only do we need to cope with existing factors that stress us out, we need to learn how to avoid stress factors that are within our control. During the holidays, there are a few things that we can do to ensure we keep stress out of our holiday stocking. No matter how nicely it's wrapped, it's never a pretty gift.
Number one, and most important of all: Thou shalt remember that thou art the most important priority! If you are no good to yourself, you won't be any good to anyone else.
Number two: Thou shalt make a list - and check it twice. Planning and organizing is a sure-fire way to avoid adding extra stress to your day - if you need to go shopping for gifts this season, make a list of all those you are buying for, what you plan to get, and what locations you might be able to purchase the items at. Also - allow yourself plenty of shopping days! Don’t wait till the last minute.
Number three: Thou shalt remember that thou art not superwoman. This calls to mind a dear endosister, whom we'll call "J"....J. has a superwoman cape that she wears daily. As superwoman, she is mom, wife, businesswoman and world problem solver every day. The holidays make it worse. Many of us have our very own superwoman cape hanging in our closets...we have to learn that sometimes, it's ok to take them off. Do what you need to do for yourself and your family; don't take on extra tasks and responsibilities that someone else can - and should - be doing. For further reference, please see number one.
Number four: Thou shalt learn how to relax - and make it a priority. Relaxing offers so many benefits! First, it gives your body an opportunity to heal from the day's events. Rest makes for a stronger body, and a stronger body makes for a higher resistance to stressors. Meditation, breathing techniques, aromatherapy, massages, hot baths, imagery and good old-fashioned sleep are just a few ways to relax. Put it on your schedule if you need to!
Number Five: Thou shalt not drag thyself to the mall if thou cannot rise up off the couch. If you are healing from surgery, having an especially hard time with your endometriosis, or are feeling just altogether horrible, remember the true spirit of the holidays...giving. "Giving" does not mean purchasing, wrapping and then giving; it means giving of yourself and your time. If you are unable to get out and about, invite your loved ones over for some quality time (if you feel up to it!). If you have children, spend time with them doing one of their favorite (low impact!) projects. They will appreciate it more than any gift Santa can bring. If you're feeling well enough, make and wrap up something homemade...cookies or other baked goods, collages or other artwork, a heartfelt homemade card or poem. And - there is always internet shopping!
Number Six: Thou shalt grieve if thou needs to. The holidays can be really devastating to someone going through infertility, who has lost a loved one, or who has suffered through any traumatic event. Remember that it is ok to give yourself time to be sad if you need to be. Don't be afraid to seek professional assistance to help you cope.
Number Seven: Thou shalt watch thy diet. We’re not talking about waistlines; we’re talking about the food and drinks so many of us strive year round to avoid because we know our symptoms will be "kicked up a notch," as Emeril says. During the holidays it seems that everywhere we go, we are handed foods and drinks – literally on a silver platter - and encouraged to eat to excess and drink to elevation. Ask yourself if the pain you know you will experience as a result of ingesting foods and drinks you don’t normally tolerate well is worth it.
Number Eight: Thou shalt not sweat the small stuff. And, as a very wise person once said, "it's all small stuff." So what if you didn't get that angora sweater you promised your sister for a gift? Give her something else she'd value even more - another gift choice and your subsequent good health for not having worried yourself sick about it!
Number Nine: Thou shalt call thy healthcare practitioner if thou feels thou needs some extra medical care this time of year. Don't put off getting or keeping an appointment with your doctor because you think you have to go cut down a Christmas tree by yourself...the tree will still be standing there an hour later, after your appointment.
Number Ten: Thou shalt refer to Number One at all times! While we are making light of this subject a little bit (laughter is also a great stress reliever, by the way), the serious fact of the matter is that this time of year can make us feel worse than we did the in the previous months.
Remember that you can make a difference in how you handle stress by a.) avoiding it altogether whenever possible; and b.) coping with it effectively before it debilitates you.
You have the right to say “no” and you have the right to make choices about how and where you spend your time this holiday season!
Happy Holidays and remember, be kind to yourself. Some days, we’re the only ones who are.
The holiday season is upon us! We all know that stress levels can run high during this time of year, and with stress comes an exacerbation of symptoms - affecting both your mind and your body. Living with endometriosis is stressful enough...so how can we avoid extra stressors during this time when our daily routine is fraught with pressures and pitfalls? Read on...
First, let's examine what “stress” actually means. Stress is any factor, be it physical or emotional in nature, which threatens the health of the body or has an adverse affect on its functioning. Disease, injury and worry are three common stressors. Stress can cause both physical and emotional reactions, from changes in the balance of your hormones to sweaty palms; heart palpitations to nausea; fatigue to headaches; tightness in your throat to depression; anxiety to anger. Simply put, nothing good can come of being stressed out!
If you can't respond to this fight-or-flight response from your body in a way that removes the stress, it can take its toll on you. The longer stress continues unabated, the worse the symptoms will be and the harder a toll it takes on your body. Worse still, experiencing one form of stress can actually decrease your resistance to other forms.
Not only do we need to cope with existing factors that stress us out, we need to learn how to avoid stress factors that are within our control. During the holidays, there are a few things that we can do to ensure we keep stress out of our holiday stocking. No matter how nicely it's wrapped, it's never a pretty gift.
Number one, and most important of all: Thou shalt remember that thou art the most important priority! If you are no good to yourself, you won't be any good to anyone else.
Number two: Thou shalt make a list - and check it twice. Planning and organizing is a sure-fire way to avoid adding extra stress to your day - if you need to go shopping for gifts this season, make a list of all those you are buying for, what you plan to get, and what locations you might be able to purchase the items at. Also - allow yourself plenty of shopping days! Don’t wait till the last minute.
Number three: Thou shalt remember that thou art not superwoman. This calls to mind a dear endosister, whom we'll call "J"....J. has a superwoman cape that she wears daily. As superwoman, she is mom, wife, businesswoman and world problem solver every day. The holidays make it worse. Many of us have our very own superwoman cape hanging in our closets...we have to learn that sometimes, it's ok to take them off. Do what you need to do for yourself and your family; don't take on extra tasks and responsibilities that someone else can - and should - be doing. For further reference, please see number one.
Number four: Thou shalt learn how to relax - and make it a priority. Relaxing offers so many benefits! First, it gives your body an opportunity to heal from the day's events. Rest makes for a stronger body, and a stronger body makes for a higher resistance to stressors. Meditation, breathing techniques, aromatherapy, massages, hot baths, imagery and good old-fashioned sleep are just a few ways to relax. Put it on your schedule if you need to!
Number Five: Thou shalt not drag thyself to the mall if thou cannot rise up off the couch. If you are healing from surgery, having an especially hard time with your endometriosis, or are feeling just altogether horrible, remember the true spirit of the holidays...giving. "Giving" does not mean purchasing, wrapping and then giving; it means giving of yourself and your time. If you are unable to get out and about, invite your loved ones over for some quality time (if you feel up to it!). If you have children, spend time with them doing one of their favorite (low impact!) projects. They will appreciate it more than any gift Santa can bring. If you're feeling well enough, make and wrap up something homemade...cookies or other baked goods, collages or other artwork, a heartfelt homemade card or poem. And - there is always internet shopping!
Number Six: Thou shalt grieve if thou needs to. The holidays can be really devastating to someone going through infertility, who has lost a loved one, or who has suffered through any traumatic event. Remember that it is ok to give yourself time to be sad if you need to be. Don't be afraid to seek professional assistance to help you cope.
Number Seven: Thou shalt watch thy diet. We’re not talking about waistlines; we’re talking about the food and drinks so many of us strive year round to avoid because we know our symptoms will be "kicked up a notch," as Emeril says. During the holidays it seems that everywhere we go, we are handed foods and drinks – literally on a silver platter - and encouraged to eat to excess and drink to elevation. Ask yourself if the pain you know you will experience as a result of ingesting foods and drinks you don’t normally tolerate well is worth it.
Number Eight: Thou shalt not sweat the small stuff. And, as a very wise person once said, "it's all small stuff." So what if you didn't get that angora sweater you promised your sister for a gift? Give her something else she'd value even more - another gift choice and your subsequent good health for not having worried yourself sick about it!
Number Nine: Thou shalt call thy healthcare practitioner if thou feels thou needs some extra medical care this time of year. Don't put off getting or keeping an appointment with your doctor because you think you have to go cut down a Christmas tree by yourself...the tree will still be standing there an hour later, after your appointment.
Number Ten: Thou shalt refer to Number One at all times! While we are making light of this subject a little bit (laughter is also a great stress reliever, by the way), the serious fact of the matter is that this time of year can make us feel worse than we did the in the previous months.
Remember that you can make a difference in how you handle stress by a.) avoiding it altogether whenever possible; and b.) coping with it effectively before it debilitates you.
You have the right to say “no” and you have the right to make choices about how and where you spend your time this holiday season!
Happy Holidays and remember, be kind to yourself. Some days, we’re the only ones who are.
"Is there a church in your house?"
5 points on how to make your home a church:
1. Prayer (Pray with each other and for each other)
2. Read Scripture (have a quiet time daily)
3. Worship together (sing or listen to christian music)
4. Ministry (serve others in your church/community)
5. Missions Trips
But as for me and my house, we will serve The Lord! Joshua 24:15
1. Prayer (Pray with each other and for each other)
2. Read Scripture (have a quiet time daily)
3. Worship together (sing or listen to christian music)
4. Ministry (serve others in your church/community)
5. Missions Trips
But as for me and my house, we will serve The Lord! Joshua 24:15
Tuesday, November 23, 2010
9 weeks Open Bowel resectioning-Post Op
So much has happen since I last wrote. I turned 29 and had a small relaxing birthday party with all the people that love me. I got so many presents. My sis even ordered gluten free cupcskes for me! They were dee-licious!
Well it's been about 9 weeks post op and endometriosis wise I feel so much better! My past two periods were pretty painful but nothing like before. I can actually feel less pain with each subsequent period.
Now on the other side of all this is my digestive system. Having had two section of my bowels removed has proven the hardest part of all this. I had a complication with the resectioning surgery that has lengthened my recovery. Dont get me wrong I'm so much better than 9 weeks ago. My period pain is diminishing and I hope it will be non existent soon. My digestive system is another story. The pain, bloating, the being tethered to the bathroom has been hard.
I am trying so hard to stay positive but pain has this funny thing it does to you where you pretty much become hopeless and desperate.
I am trying to look up towards God and since this week is Thanksgiving I am focusing my time on being thankfill for all the many blessing I already have.
Our church, Trinity has been an amazing support system!
Well it's been about 9 weeks post op and endometriosis wise I feel so much better! My past two periods were pretty painful but nothing like before. I can actually feel less pain with each subsequent period.
Now on the other side of all this is my digestive system. Having had two section of my bowels removed has proven the hardest part of all this. I had a complication with the resectioning surgery that has lengthened my recovery. Dont get me wrong I'm so much better than 9 weeks ago. My period pain is diminishing and I hope it will be non existent soon. My digestive system is another story. The pain, bloating, the being tethered to the bathroom has been hard.
I am trying so hard to stay positive but pain has this funny thing it does to you where you pretty much become hopeless and desperate.
I am trying to look up towards God and since this week is Thanksgiving I am focusing my time on being thankfill for all the many blessing I already have.
Our church, Trinity has been an amazing support system!
Thursday, October 14, 2010
My Story Endometriosis Story
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| Endometriosis by Geordanna the Artist |
I have been living with Endometriosis for 15+ years but was just recently (positively) diagnosed with stage IV during a laparoscopy this April 2010. I had never even heard of this disease until this year. I thank God for the internet bc the internet is what helped me better understand this horribly debilitating disease. I learned about my options and the best methods/doctors out there.
My life has always revolved around my intense cyclical menstrual pain and extreme fatigue--thinking it was just a burden I had to carry as a women.Now that I know its not my "duty" to go through this I am looking everywhere to find help. I def can't live like this forever!
Also, it has been now proven that my infertility is a direct correlation of my endo. At this point in my life all I want to do is be a mother so to be robbed of that choice is heart breaking. I am trying to stay positive and am hoping that through surgeries and fertility meds J and I can one day get pregnant.
The only other person that this has drastically effected is my poor husband J. We haven't even been married a year and I joke that we have gone through more in one year than a normal couple go through in a decade!
The cyclical pain, fatigue and emotional toll is unbearable at times but I know others are going through the same thing. I hope I can connect with those others that are going through or have gone through the physical and emotional roller coaster of this disease called endometriosis. I welcome anyone to "like" my page and I hope by being transparent and putting it all out there the world will start to take this disease much more seriously! No its not cancer. I cannot die from it but this disease, at times, makes me wish I could die. I want everyone to realize that just because I look ok on the outside doesn't mean I am not suffering.
I had my 2nd laparoscopy Sept 22, 2010 in Houston TX with Dr. Rakesh Mangal that actually tunred into a laparootomy becasue i simply had too much extensive damage. Dr. Mangal is a endometriosis specialist that uses CO2 laser excision and is VERY familiar with endo on the bowels and bladder. He believes that women with endo need a TEAM of doctors and specialist. He referred me to Dr. John R. Mathias a neuro-gastroenterologist who discovered I also have enteric nerve disease and put me on a strick diet and anti-seizure meds. he wanted me to calm my enteric system down before I had the surgery. I also have a Pain Management Specialist to better understand my pain and ALL my options since meds like vicodeine can actually make my symptoms worse.
During my surgery Dr. Mangal was accompanied by my colon-rectal surgeron, Dr. Pickron and a urologist because the endo on my bladder and bowels needed to be removed. I had two sections of my colon removed and my appendix removed. I had a medium sized cyst removed from my left ovary, had a D&C and stents placed.
I am also on the hormone progesterone to suppress my periods before and at least 3 months after surgery. Hormones and me DO NOT mix and it has been hell these last few weeks. CRAZY mood swings, crying, depressed, anxious, easily irritated, you name it I am going through it. I just don't feel like myself! I literally feel like I am going insane.
PAST: As far back as I can remember I have always had to miss at least 3 days every month of school or work. I have tried every kind of birth control pill (to regulate my period and minimize the pain but the pain only got worse) but my body simply is too sensitive and I can't stand them. For about the last 5 years my monthly pains have been getting progressively worse and worse. I now only have about 2 weeks a month that I feel good. The rest of the month I am either too fatigued, too emotional or in too much pain or all three! I have had over 10 doctors and the last 4 were just in the last 2 years! All the doctors before were dismissive and just kept telling me to get on birth control pills even though I would tell them that the pill just makes my symptoms worse. No one would listen. I finally got fed up because I knew there was something obvious wrong. The progression this last year (2010) has been significant. My health was deteriorating fast. I had to do something.
After the 8 Hour surgery, Dr. Mangal, came outside to talk to my husband and family letting them know that I had ALOT of endo and that I have been in excruciating pain for quite sometime. Although I do not doubt they knew I had been in pain I think it REALLY hit home when the doctor described to them in detail my pain and why. My mom started crying bc she felt so bad that she never knew it was THAT bad. Dr. Mangal also said that the endo had damaged my fallopian tubes. He said my ovaries and Uterus are great but he fears J and I would have a VERY difficult time conceiving naturally. Even if we do conceive naturally he is afraid of miscarriages and ectopic pregnancies (tubal pregnancies). So he advised that J and I do in vitro. So, That's where we are at now. I am set to see Dr. Mangal on my birthday Nov 3, 2010 to discuss our plan. Our window of opportunity is very small bc Dr. Mangal said the best chances for us to get pregnant would be 3-6 months after this surgery.
Saturday, October 2, 2010
Post 8 hour Open Bowel and Excision Surgery for Stage IV Endo
September 22, 2010 I had major surgery for stage IV Endometriosis.
I was hoping it would be a few hours long and that laparoscopically would suffice but alas that was not to be. I now have a 9 inch "bikini cut" incision and after an 8 hours surgery this is what they did:
removed 3 "diseased" areas of my bowels (re sectioned with anastomosis), removed diseased appendix, excised all the endo from around my uterus, ovaries, and fallopian tubes, removed a large ovarian cyst on my left ovary, had a D&C and urinary stents placed.
It's been about a week now and I would be lying if I said this was getting better day by day. This has been the hardest thing I have ever had to go through.
I am only 28 years old, still a newly wed and haven't had children yet....
I plan on writing more but I am in just too much pain right now. I will try to write later today or tomorrow.
On a happier note: We got our wedding videos! :)
My poor husband has been amazing through all this. We have only been married about 10 months. I know this is something he definitely didn't not expect to be having to go through.
Here is the trailer:
J and Geordanna's Wedding Trailer
I was hoping it would be a few hours long and that laparoscopically would suffice but alas that was not to be. I now have a 9 inch "bikini cut" incision and after an 8 hours surgery this is what they did:
removed 3 "diseased" areas of my bowels (re sectioned with anastomosis), removed diseased appendix, excised all the endo from around my uterus, ovaries, and fallopian tubes, removed a large ovarian cyst on my left ovary, had a D&C and urinary stents placed.
It's been about a week now and I would be lying if I said this was getting better day by day. This has been the hardest thing I have ever had to go through.
I am only 28 years old, still a newly wed and haven't had children yet....
I plan on writing more but I am in just too much pain right now. I will try to write later today or tomorrow.
On a happier note: We got our wedding videos! :)
My poor husband has been amazing through all this. We have only been married about 10 months. I know this is something he definitely didn't not expect to be having to go through.
Here is the trailer:
J and Geordanna's Wedding Trailer
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